App development set to enhance local tourism

Amadeus IT Group and Thebe Tourism Group have revealed a 4-year-plan for a National Tourism Visitor Information System (NTVIS) at Indaba 2018.

During the announcement made by Amadeus IT Group and Thebe Tourism Group, they revealed a 4-year-plan for the creation of a National Tourism Visitor Information System (NTVIS).It is said to enhance the tourism/visitor experience, stimulate entrepreneurship, drive transformation and job creation.

The development of the NTVIS incorporates the Tourism Information Portal and App,The Tourism Data Hub and The Rural/SMME Booking System and Business App.

Amadeus, who operates in 190 markets and has a worldwide team of over 15 000 people, will team up with South African tourism groups to bring these projects to life.

Svend Leirvaag, the Vice President of Industry Affairs for Amadeus, described the initiative as a ground-breaking and innovative model for public-private collaboration.

“It will see the tourism industry in South Africa further commit itself to a sustainable and viable future.

“Amadeus is a commited to transformational, sustainable and inclusive growth of global travel and tourism. We are proud to be a part of this initiative,” he said.

Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, the CEO of FEDHASA, said the project is expected to cost millions. He believes the collaboration between Amadeus, tourism industry stakeholders and the National Department of Tourism will forge sustainable partnerships. “It is the first of its kind,” he said.

Jerry Mabena, CEO of Thebe Tourism Group, will act as the South African administrator and enabler of the project on behalf of Amadeus.

He said the NTVIS and training academy initiative was the first step towards their vision of an inclusive, transformed, information-driven tourism industry.

“The project is the tourism industry’s collaborative response to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for the private sector to create jobs as the country embarks on the path to economic recovery.

“The platform will use a variety of different modules used to capture data, curate and analyse the data. The feedback by registered users will provide valuable insights into the services and business needs of the tourism industry. In addition, it will also help the tourist via information, bookings and post-visit support,” he said.

Mabena urged the tourism industry to participate in this initiative and join this new collaborative effort.

Jeanette Phillips joined the team in 2016. She developed a passion and love for all things-travel related in her role as travel journalist, a position she held for over seven years. A brief exodus into the corporate marketing sphere proved that there is no better industry than the travel industry. Research and writing are two of Jeanette’s greatest passions, but she is always open to new challenges and different ways of doing things.